How do I use a curling iron in Herzegovina?

Herzegovinian power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Herzegovina:

  • If your curling iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the right power adapter for Herzegovina however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Herzegovinian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Herzegovina, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has the right power adapter for Herzegovina otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Herzegovina you run the risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Herzegovina check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Herzegovina

Will my curling iron work in Herzegovina?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Herzegovina. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use your curling iron in Herzegovina. If not then you will need to consider using either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our section on will a voltage converter work with your domestic curling iron in Herzegovina for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Will my US curling iron work in Herzegovina?

The guides on this page assume that you're a reader from the US travelling to Herzegovina and provide guidance for using your American curling iron with a Herzegovinian power outlet.

Herzegovina power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Herzegovina?

The frequency used in a Herzegovinian power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Herzegovina?

Power outlets in Herzegovina are 230 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Herzegovina?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Herzegovina?

There are two types of power outlets used in Herzegovina, these are type F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the wall socket by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type F - The recessed round power socket, also known as the type F power outlet or Schuko plug, can be identified by the two large holes 19 mm next to each other, plus two thin grounding clips above and below.

A recommended plug adapter to bring for using a 230 volt curling iron in Herzegovina is a Type F plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Herzegovina. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Get a plug adapter for Herzegovina

Dual voltage curling irons

How can I tell if my curling iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron will support a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron and could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Herzegovina then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Herzegovinian power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage curling iron which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Herzegovinian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Herzegovina.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Herzegovina or any other country.

Travelling to Herzegovina with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in your hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Herzegovina will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Herzegovina?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Herzegovina as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Herzegovinian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Herzegovina. Be aware that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by airport baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing or replacing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Herzegovina could be more than buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Herzegovina

Do I need a power converter to use a curling iron in Herzegovina?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Herzegovina. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it can be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. A power converter is also substantially heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Herzegovina, however a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 230 volt Herzegovinian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Herzegovina using a type C power adapter

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Herzegovina with a 2 pinned Type C power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel curling irons might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Herzegovina, please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Herzegovina you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Herzegovina simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. This ungrounded power outlet, also called the Europlug or Type C power outlet [3], can be identified by the 2 holes adjacent to each other.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Herzegovinian power outlet.
  6. The curling iron is ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Herzegovina using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Herzegovina using a type F power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Herzegovina using a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting to use in Herzegovina; please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Herzegovina you'll need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6]. The Type F plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries for a power outlet in Herzegovina simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The sunken round plug outlet (sometimes known as a Schuko plug) can be identified by the two 4.8mm holes 19 mm adjacent to each other along with two thin grounding clips above and below.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Herzegovinian power outlet.
  6. The curling iron is now ready to be used in Herzegovina. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Herzegovina using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Herzegovina wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  5. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  7. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.